Dynamics of Rockslides and Rockfalls

by Erismann, Theodor H.; Abele, Gerhard

• ISBN13: 9783540671985
• ISBN10: 3540671986
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2001-03-01
• Publisher: Springer Verlag

Summary

Mass movement of rocks in high mountains can severely injure the population and damage man-made structures in these areas. This book focuses on the understanding of the mechanisms of rockslides and rockfalls using a quantitative approach. The range and velocity of these hazards are calculated to serve as a basis for evacuations and other preventive measures. Examples from four continents illustrate the necessity of this kind of information. The book contains a wealth of information for practitioners and scientists working in the field of catastrophe prevention.

Table of Contents

Introduction	p. 1
Quantification - a Stringent Necessity	p. 1
Remarks on Nomenclature	p. 4
Case Histories, Geomorphological Facts	p. 7
Introductory Remarks	p. 7
Pandemonium Creek	p. 12
Blackhawk	p. 26
Kofels	p. 32
Val Pola	p. 49
Vaiont	p. 60
Huascaran	p. 80
Synopsis of Results	p. 102
Comments on Mechanisms of Release	p. 107
Causes and Signals - a Pragmatic Approach	p. 107
From Cohesion to Motion	p. 114
Particular Mechanisms	p. 130
Mechanisms of Disintegration	p. 145
Static Disintegration	p. 145
Dynamic Disintegration	p. 152
Mechanisms of Displacement	p. 161
Coherent and Disintegrated Motion	p. 161
Consequences of Velocity-dependent Resistance	p. 171
Falling, Rolling, Bouncing	p. 177
Unlubricated Sliding	p. 193
Lubrication	p. 204
Fluidisation	p. 218
Various Mechanisms	p. 229
From Analysis to Prediction	p. 241
Some Fundamentals	p. 241
How to Determine Velocity?	p. 243
The Size Effect - a Useful Tool	p. 253
Improvements - Possibilities and Limitations	p. 265
Secondary Effects	p. 277
Flood Waves	p. 277
Damming Effects	p. 285
Various Secondary Effects	p. 289
Review of Highlights	p. 293
References	p. 297
Index	p. 307
Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.